Pasta with Green Garlic and Lemon

Simple pasta tossed with tender green garlic, lemon, and Parmesan for a bright, silky spring dish.


Ingredients

12 oz dried pasta of choice
salt
3 tbsp olive oil
1 cup green garlic, white and green parts, thinly sliced
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
zest of 1 lemon
2 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 cup grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
2 tbsp butter
black pepper

Method

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.  Cook pasta until al dente.  Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.

2. While the pasta cooks, cook the green garlic.  Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low.  Add green garlic with a pinch of salt and cook gently until softened and fragrant.  Do not brown.  Add red pepper flakes.

3. Add lemon zest and splash of pasta water to the pan.  Add drained pasta and toss to coat. Stir in butter and Parmesan, adding more pasta water as needed to create a light, silky sauce.

4.Remove from heat and add lemon juice and black pepper. Toss well and adjust seasoning to taste.

5.Divide into bowls and finish with additional Parmesan and olive oil.